The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) prepares to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Friday against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. The team, currently ranked No. 16 in FIFA’s global standings, will follow group-stage matches against Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in 2024 following the firing of Gregg Berhalter, has yet to confirm his starting lineup for the opener. The squad features several established stars, including Christian Pulisic, who recently scored his first goal in five months during a May 31 friendly against Senegal. Other key figures include Folarin Balogun, who scored 13 goals for AS Monaco last season, and midfielder Weston McKennie, who recorded five goals and five assists for Juventus. The team also features captain Tim Ream, the 38-year-old veteran from Charlotte FC, and Tyler Adams of AFC Bournemouth. Player availability remains a significant variable for the coaching staff. Defender Chris Richards is recovering from a torn ligament in his left ankle suffered on May 17; while he participated in training on Monday, his effectiveness remains unclear. Also, goalkeeper Matt Freese is noted as a potential starter following a 2-1 loss to Germany, though he has not been officially assured the role over Matt Turner. The team faces a mix of expectations and pressures on home soil. Former US player John Harkes told the BBC that the team has “better resources” and more experience than in previous tournaments, though he noted that injuries and the need for resilience are critical. Midfielder Cristian Roldan highlighted the unique energy of playing in cities where several players have personal ties, while teammate Joe Scally noted that the group is building on the experience of playing for home fans during the Copa América.